Story : Is Your God Dead?

Story : Is your God dead?

A renowned Gospel preacher from Europe met with some awful problems in his ministry and was weighed down by despair. Days passed, but he had no upturn. Though his wife tried to console him and instill hope, it was in vain. One day, surprisingly, his wife appeared to Him in black clothes. It is the custom of European countries that people wear such dresses on the demise of somebody or for some funeral functions.So then, the husband asked with awe, ‘who is dead?’

“God! Who else?” He was really surprised and did not understand what she was telling. So he asked her again… “Tell me, who is dead?” In serious tone, she replied with the same answer, “That God, whom you preach, is dead!”

Suddenly standing up from his seat, he shouted, ‘Are you mad?’

“I am not mad… You only preach that God is Almighty, all powerful and He will turn everything into good. Yet, you are in despair. If that God is alive, would He not intervene in your problems and solve it? If that God, who turns everything for good, is alive, would He not turn your failures into success? Then, is it not unfair that you’re gloomy over your problems? I think you should worry this much, only when your God dies!”

He felt ashamed of his lack of faith hearing those words from his wife. Suddenly he fell on his knees and in loud voice, started praying the Apostle’s creed… “I believe in God, the Father Almighty…” Relieved from his despair within a few minutes, he was filled with courage and strength.

Reflection:

Many times we think that our problems lead us to despair. Diseases, financial constraints, family problems, isolation… these troubles have no power to lead us to despair. But many times we loose hope in front of these difficulties. What could be the reason?

Our look turns from God to the problems. When we always gaze at our problems, they become larger and our God becomes smaller. If we are not able to see the almighty God, the problems will start conquering us.

If we profess continuously our faith in the Almighty God, then our problems will become uncomplicated. The cause of despair is not the problems we face, but our lack of faith. We loose our confidence, when we loose faith in God and in His mercy.

So, take courage… how great our problems may be… how terrible our struggles… Do not give way to despair. Because our God is still greater than they are. When we are filled with the presence of the Almighty God, the red sea will divide, Jordan will give way, forts of Jericho will fall down and Goliaths will fail.

“Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” – (Is. 41:10). Let these words provide us with great strength.

Let us pray:

Lord, I proclaim that you are the creator and owner of this universe. Nothing is impossible to You. I submit all my problems and worries in your hands. I praise you Lord, who is up above all my struggles. Increase my faith and make me strong… Amen.

- – - written by Benny Punnathara